new meds. anti-depressants

[Guest guest]

I have been reading all the notes on the anti-depressant medicines.

My new pain management dr has prescribed amitriplyline, topamax and

effexor. I am suppose to start with the amitriplyline, 2 weeks later

add the topomax, 3 weeks later add the effexor.

Gotta admit- I am not to thrilled about this. I realize these meds

are to stop pain and help me sleep -- but I can't help being a little

afraid.

I really don't feel all that depressed. I am very fortunate to have

a great family and good friends that keep me laughing and take over

when I can't do anymore.

Anyway - thanks for all the helpful information on these drugs. I am

gonna give them a try.

[Editor's Note:

The Catch-22 of the depression (and the meds for it) associated with PA and

other diseases, especially the untreatable and rather mysterious ones, is that

patients--before treatment with the modern anti-depressants--often feel they

really aren't depressed, or if they are, it's not that bad, only to discover

that once they're at peak plasma levels on the proper dose, Hey Presto!! It's

like the veil lifts, and the world is a better, happier place.

D.]

[Guest guest]

Peachums,

Just be careful w/ the amitriplyline (Elavil is the brand name) and Effexor

combination. This is what caused me severe urinary retention. It was a really

bad combo for me but everyones different.

good luck,

-

[Guest guest]

> Peachums,

>

> Just be careful w/ the amitriplyline (Elavil is the brand name) and

Effexor combination. This is what caused me severe urinary

retention. It was a really bad combo for me but everyones different.

>

> good luck,

>

>

> -

[Guest guest]

No, not Elavil!!! I was a walking zombie... I hate that stuff, and it's

supposed to make me go into REM sleep so my fibro doesn't overact... yeah

right!!!

Re: [ ] new meds. anti-depressants

> Peachums,

>

> Just be careful w/ the amitriplyline (Elavil is the brand name) and

Effexor combination. This is what caused me severe urinary retention. It

was a really bad combo for me but everyones different.

>

> good luck,

>

>

> -

>

>

>

> Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at:

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aka(raharris@...).

>

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>

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>

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>

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>

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>

>

[Guest guest]

Topamax is actually an epilepsy drug. I was on it for tremors but I couldn't

tolerate a high enough dose so they switched me to lots of Neurotin. I have

actually found that B-12 and folic acid and a concentrated B vitamin supplement

is making me fill much better. These can make you feel peppy and most women do

have low levels of the B's. (The neurologist suggested this since I had a very

low B-12 blood level and low red blood cell count due to the folic acid. They

also told me to take E for leg cramps. My rheumy keeps telling me to stick with

the VIOXX until I have lots of actual joint destruction. He fears long term

usage of methotrexate and Enbril. My family doctor agrees. I keep thinking I

don't want my fingers all crooked. (My feet are already changing) but I can't

take many drugs due to allergies and my options are limited and unless they find

a cure for PA it's a lifetime thing. He said he would put me on any of the meds

I wanted but he recommends holding off as long as possible. I am lucky since

the Neurotin really reduces pain. (also an epilepsy drug). It is hard to know

what to do as he always tells me these stories about reactions to meth and

Enbril. He says I will be on them soon enough. And my family doctor agrees. I

keep exercising 3 to 4 days a week in PACE and osteoporosis classes as well as

Yoga. I just started to do Palates which has to do with dance exercises but

doesn't impact the joints. I feel the exercise has been the key to my

maintenance of my condition.

relizabethb@...

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